Day 6: Matthew 5:27-48
The sixth day's evening devotion is Matthew 5:27-48, which struck me as odd when I realized that I already read the verses yesterday.
Breaking a commandment seems like a serious sin. But yet I believe that divorce and adultery appear to be sins just like any other, one that occurs both in and out of the church. And if one recognizes the sin and repents, he or she may still live under God's grace.
For some reason in my mind I felt this sin was bigger than the others, and less forgivable than the others, perhaps because this one is difficult to commit quickly in a short amount of time (unless you're in Vegas). But ultimately, any sin that's committed can never be erased, because what's done is done. The sinner and God both know the truth, and that is enough.
And I must remember that repentance comes from the heart and is demonstrated through action.
No unforgivable sins
I think my biggest reaction to reading today's devotion is that there are no unforgivable sins. I'm not sure of the implications of this yet, but I extracted this meaning as I was reading the passage about divorce.
“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Matthew 5:31-32 ESV)
Breaking a commandment seems like a serious sin. But yet I believe that divorce and adultery appear to be sins just like any other, one that occurs both in and out of the church. And if one recognizes the sin and repents, he or she may still live under God's grace.
For some reason in my mind I felt this sin was bigger than the others, and less forgivable than the others, perhaps because this one is difficult to commit quickly in a short amount of time (unless you're in Vegas). But ultimately, any sin that's committed can never be erased, because what's done is done. The sinner and God both know the truth, and that is enough.
From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 ESV)
And I must remember that repentance comes from the heart and is demonstrated through action.